A £135,000 appeal has been launched to replace masts and dining saloon windows on iconic Clyde paddle steamer Waverley ahead of the 2026 sailing season.
Waverley Excursions say these traditional features are central to Waverley’s distinctive profile, and renewing them in authentic materials is essential to preserving the ship’s historic character and appearance.
Replacement masts — fore and main — are currently being sourced and are expected to cost £50,000 to produce and fit to the vessel. Thirteen new dining saloon windows are required, at a cost of £6,000 each.
Paul Semple, Waverley’s general manager, said: “Essentially, many parts of the ship could be replaced with more modern materials and fittings which may last longer, but collectively that would change the look and feel of the ship. Preserving Waverley is about maintaining her as far as is possible as she was intended to be. We are preserving her truly unique character. As the world continuously changes around Waverley she becomes even more special as she represents a moment in time when she was first designed and built.”
Waverley’s 2025/26 winter refit is now well underway, with essential maintenance and several major investment projects in progress. This includes replacing the fire sprinkler system and renewing the port paddlebox spring beam. These two works alone will cost more than £500,000 and are being jointly funded by the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society and Waverley’s owning charity.
To allow the work on masts and windows to be completed by March 2026, Waverley’s supporters are being asked to help raise £135,000. All donations, large or small, are warmly welcomed. Contributions will help prepare Waverley for the 2026 season, during which she will proudly mark the 80th anniversary of her launch.
Donations can be made online at www.waverleyexcursions.co.uk, or by contacting Waverley’s Booking Office on 0141 243 2224 (Monday to Thursday 9:30am to 4:30pm, Fridays 9:30am to 4pm).
In each of the past three summer seasons Waverley has attracted more than 150,000 passengers.
Waverley’s Glasgow and Clyde Coast spring sailings are set to cast off on Friday 8 May 2026. Waverley’s summer programme of cruises will operate from late June to late August. Waverley’s 2026 season timetables are due to be released area-by-area from February with bookings then opening.
